Here's how NFL draft experts are grading Colts' 2024 draft picks
The Indianapolis Colts selected nine players in the 2024 NFL Draft. They added pass rusher (and the first defensive player selected) Laiatu Latu at No. 15 in the first round. Day 2 saw them go with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and offensive lineman Matt Goncalves. They concluded the draft with more O-line (Tanor Bortoloni) and receiver (Anthony Gould) picks, along with a linebacker (Jaylon Carlies), two defensive backs (Jaylin Simpson and Micah Abraham) and a defensive lineman (Jonah Laulu).
Here's how the NFL draft experts are grading the Colts' picks.
They like this one: How experts graded Colts' pick of Laiatu Latu in NFL draft
Mixed bag: Here's how NFL draft experts are grading Colts' second, third-round picks
Tanor Bortolini NFL draft expert grades
CBS Sports: C+
One of the freakiest athletes at the center spot in the class. Burst, bend, speed out on screens and reach blocks. That's how he wins. Has to get drastically strong and hang onto blocks longer in the NFL. Hit or miss climbing to the second level. Arms are shorter. Upside is there but project-y. The type Indianapolis gravitates toward.
Strengths: Supreme athlete, lateral agility to thrive in zone-heavy system, starting experience at multiple positions.
Weaknesses: Lacks length and power, can struggle to set depth of pocket.
Bortolini posted one of the best all-around workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. He finished among the top two offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (4.94 seconds), short shuttle (4.28) and three-cone drill (7.16). Oh, Bortolini definitely fits the Indianapolis Colts' athletic preferences to a tee. More importantly, he can be a long-term replacement for center Ryan Kelly, who will be a free agent after this season.
I like this pick for Chris Ballard and the Colts. Bortolini handled his own at the Senior Bowl, keeping his cool after a few defensive linemen tried to ruffle his feathers in some intense practice reps. Although he slipped through the cracks a bit, Bortolini has a chance to make it as a backup center and insurance for Ryan Kelly.
Anthony Gould NFL draft expert grades
CBS Sports: B-
Small, tiny radius track type. Really flies. May even play faster than his timed speed. Does a reasonable job making grabs through physicality but not a specialty. Overall YAC skill -- contact balance, cutting skill -- isn't tremendous. But if he gets to green grass, he's gone. Wants to get North-South. Vertical specialist.
Bleacher Report: C+
Indianapolis Colts head coach/offensive play-caller Shane Steichen is a Norv Turner disciple. His offense is predicated on stretching the field vertically. The Colts couldn't do so last year, particularly after Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. But the group also lacked the weapons on the outside to threaten defenses.
The team's second-round selection, Adonai Mitchell, will certainly help this particular area. Oregon State's Anthony Gould rams home the point that Indianapolis is serious about getting faster and more dynamic. Gould is a 4.39-second 40-yard-dash speedster who can create chunk plays in the short passing game, deep passing game or as a returner.
USA TODAY: C+
Gould spent the vast majority of his time with the Beavers at outside wide receiver despite standing 5-8 and weighing 174 pounds. He's one of the fastest wideouts in the class and could be one of the best returners on the team as a rookie.
Jaylon Carlies NFL draft expert grades
CBS Sports: B-
Enormous safety prospect. Would be sizable for the LB spot. And that's essentially what he is. Labored-ish movements in coverage but showed nice hip flip when sinking. Really attacks run plays because he knows how imposing of a specimen he is. Just needs to play more under control to not miss as many tackles. Speed is good, not great. Length helps him get to the football when it's in his target area.
Bleacher Report: C
The Indianapolis Colts finally addressed what can be viewed as the league's worst secondary in the fifth round. Or did they?
The board may not have fallen the way general manager Chris Ballard liked. But a talent infusion is necessary. Missouri's Jaylon Carlies is a fascinating selection, though. He led the Tigers in tackles the last two seasons. However, he's a 6'2', 227-pound defensive back. A transition to linebacker may be forthcoming.
USA TODAY: B-
At 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 227 pounds, Carlies is a bit of a tweener who could transition from safety to linebacker for Indianapolis. He led Missouri in tackles in 2022 and 2023 and has the straight line speed to be a productive player in both run defense and coverage. He has struggled at times in zone schemes and this feels like a bit of a reach for a prospect without a set position.
Jaylin Simpson NFL draft expert grades
USA TODAY: B+
Simpson's career year in 2023 showed what he can do on the back end at corner. He tallied four interceptions and seven passes defensed with one of the best coverage grades on the team. His smaller frame could hold him back in press coverage but his ball skills and speed make him a solid special teamer at worst.
Walter Football: A+
I love Jaylin Simpson as a prospect. He’s a highly instinctive safety who can challenge for a starting job right away. Simpson needs to bulk up, but this is a great pick, as I thought Simpson could be chosen in the third round.
CBS Sports: A-
One of those pesky, always-around-the-football Auburn defensive backs we've seen enter the league over the past five-plus years. Serious suddenness at the safety spot and robs the middle of the field with plus instincts and ball skills. Big hitter with plus long speed despite skinny frame. Traits type with solid production.
Micah Abraham NFL draft expert grades
Walter Football: B-
I had Micah Abraham as my Mr. Irrelevant, so while this is a reach, it’s not a very egregious one in the middle of the sixth round. The need makes sense for the Colts, who had to find another cornerback.
CBS Sports: C+
Reasonable size, bouncy in zone to make plays on the football. Spindly frame. Plenty of ball production. Athleticism will be tested at the next level. Good speed.
Marshall's Micah Abraham is a curious selection since he doesn't have the length that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley prefers and he's not even close to an elite athletic tester.
Jonah Laulu NFL draft expert grades
CBS Sports: C
Tall, somewhat sleek interior rusher with great length. Can occasionally win with first-step quicks but not a trademark, and he leans into offensive lineman, which can make him susceptible to beaten controlled. Pass-rush plans have to evolve.
Here’s another prospect we didn’t have as being draftable. It’s the middle of the seventh round though, so it’s fine. A defensive lineman makes sense for the Colts at this stage.
Bleacher Report: C
The Indianapolis Colts went against their typical standards for defensive linemen when they selected Laiatu Latu in the first round. In contrast, Oklahoma's Jonah Laulu is a perfect Chris Ballard defensive lineman.
He's a 6'5", 292-pound defensive lineman with flexibility to play up and down the line. He also has a nine-plus relative athletic score.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How experts graded Indianapolis Colts' NFL draft picks in 2024
